Asm. Bill Moen

Maddy summaryAJR 60 is a joint resolution declaring New Jersey a "Purple Heart State" to honor veterans and active duty military members from the state who have been awarded the Purple Heart Medal. The Purple Heart is a military decoration given to service members wounded or killed in action while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces. This resolution joins three existing "Purple Heart States" (West Virginia, Virginia, and Washington) and takes effect immediately, recognizing New Jersey's existing connections to the "Purple Heart Trail" - a network of roads, bridges, and monuments honoring recipients. It serves as a symbolic tribute without creating new programs, funding, or legal obligations.

Maddy summaryAJR 25 designates the first full week of May each year as "Wounded Warrior Appreciation Week" in New Jersey. This symbolic resolution aims to raise public awareness about the challenges faced by military veterans with physical or mental injuries sustained in service, including those with combat-related stress, PTSD, or traumatic brain injuries. It requests the governor issue a proclamation encouraging New Jersey residents and officials to observe the week with activities honoring wounded warriors. The bill does not create new programs, allocate funding, or impose obligations on state agencies - it is purely a ceremonial designation.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey Assembly Resolution (AR 165) urges the U.S. federal government to create legislation providing proportional property tax relief for veterans with service-connected permanent disabilities. It proposes that veterans receive tax relief based on their U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs disability rating (e.g., 30% disability would yield 30% tax relief), limited to their primary residence and veterans earning under $200,000 annually. The resolution highlights that New Jersey currently offers full property tax exemptions for veterans with 100% service-connected disabilities, but this federal standard would extend similar proportional benefits to veterans nationwide. It does not create new state law but calls for federal action to ensure consistent support for veterans across all states.

Maddy summaryThis bill, known as the New Jersey Immigrant Trust Act, prohibits state and local government agencies from collecting immigration status information unless strictly necessary for service eligibility and from assisting federal immigration authorities. It requires government entities to adopt policies protecting sensitive locations like schools, hospitals, and shelters from immigration enforcement activities, ensuring immigrants can access public services without fear. The law mandates law enforcement training on these restrictions, prohibits detaining individuals based on immigration status, and requires annual reporting on interactions with federal immigration authorities. It also establishes a public awareness campaign to inform immigrants of their rights under the law.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires large supermarkets and grocery stores (over 16,000 square feet with 90% food space) and food suppliers to make a reasonable effort to donate edible food that would otherwise be discarded. It mandates donations to food banks, nonprofits, or individuals, not for profit but to cover minimal handling costs. The law applies to food still safe for consumption but not sold due to normal business operations, such as unsold perishables. It defines "donate" as free or minimal-cost transfers and takes effect 180 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new "Type S School Bus Certificate" that would allow certain qualified drivers to operate specific school buses without needing a commercial driver's license, passenger endorsement, or school bus endorsement. To qualify, drivers must be at least 21 years old, have held a basic driver's license for three years, pass physical and eye exams, complete a knowledge exam, and finish special training for students with special needs. The certificate would apply to "Type S school buses," defined as vehicles designed for nine passengers or less (excluding driver) with a gross weight of 3,000 pounds or more, used for transporting students to and from school. This would streamline school bus operations for qualified drivers while maintaining safety standards for student transportation. The bill amends existing school bus regulations to include this new certification pathway.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Division of Travel and Tourism to create and maintain a public website featuring information on the state's historic sites, districts, and roadside markers. The website must include an interactive map, driving directions from all compass points, tour schedules, photos, contact details for site owners, and links to local historical marker programs. It mandates regular updates when new sites are added by state agencies and allows public submissions for new roadside markers through an electronic form. The initiative aims to improve public access to New Jersey's historical resources for tourists and residents.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey colleges and universities to inform students with federal student loans about the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program during their final two academic semesters. It also mandates that state government employers provide employees with PSLF information during onboarding and annually thereafter. The required information must include eligibility details, the program's website, and federal requirements (20 U.S.C. §1087e), and can be delivered electronically, by mail, or in person. The goal is to increase awareness of this federal program, which forgives student loans after 10 years of qualifying public service work.

Maddy summaryThis bill provides a New Jersey gross income tax credit for licensed child care staff and registered family day care providers. Eligible workers must have been employed for six continuous months in their current role, with credit amounts varying by income level ($25,000-$45,000) and the age group of children they serve (birth-30 months or 30+ months). For those earning under $45,000, the credit is refundable - if it eliminates tax liability, they receive the remaining amount as a cash payment. The credit does not count as income for other state benefit programs and requires at least 50% of work time to be spent directly providing child care services.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows state, county, and municipal authorities to designate "special event zones" around large automotive events (defined as events with 25+ attendees or approved by local government) for traffic regulation. Within these zones, authorities may temporarily reduce speed limits for safety and prohibit "exhibition driving" (reckless maneuvers like excessive skidding, engine noise, or roof riding). Violations of traffic rules - including speeding, careless driving, or exhibition driving - within these zones carry increased fines up to $1,000, or up to 60 days in jail for reckless driving. The zones remain active during the event and for a reasonable period before/after, with required signage informing the public of reduced speeds and penalties.